DAVAO CITY – In a significant stride toward recovery, the once-damaged barangay hall of Quezon in Mainit, Surigao del Norte has been restored more than a year after the ravages of Super Typhoon “Odette.” This transformation is the result of the collaborative efforts of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program, which culminated in the successful rehabilitation of the Two-Storey Barangay Hall.
Under the banner of the National Community-Driven Development Program-Additional Funding (NCDDP-AF) modality, KALAHI-CIDSS handed over the newly renovated facility worth Php2,286,278 to the community on Friday, August 25. This endeavor signifies not just the physical rebuilding of infrastructure, but the revival of community spirit and resilience in the face of adversity.
The restored hall will serve as a hub of activity and collaboration for the 890 households and 1,121 families residing in the barangay, offering them a space for communal gatherings, discussions, and decision-making processes.
Regional Program Coordinator Bennette Dave C. Calo, during the turnover ceremony, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the municipal local government unit of Mainit, the barangay local government unit of Quezon, and the dedicated community volunteers. Their unwavering support, active participation, relentless efforts, and sacrifices were integral to the success of this subproject, Calo emphasized.
Punong Barangay Vicky S. Faminial highlighted the significance of prioritizing the rehabilitation and enhancement of their community hall. Faminial aptly captured the essence of KALAHI-CIDSS, not merely as a government program, but as a partner for change at the grassroots level. She provided her personal interpretation of the program acronym, spelling out: “Kaabag sa katawhan Alang sa kalambuan Laban bisan kalisod, Aktibo nga partisipasyon, Hagit para sa panahon, ug Implementasyon sa maayong proyekto.”
KALAHI-CIDSS, a poverty alleviation program implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), embraces the community-driven development (CDD) approach. This globally acclaimed strategy champions service delivery, poverty reduction, and good governance outcomes. The program’s success in breathing new life into the Quezon barangay hall stands as a testament to the resilience and united efforts of the community as they rise above the challenges brought by Typhoon “Odette.” (Irah Marie Mananggit)
